Felix Okpara Announces Return to Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes bring back a their top interior presence.

Felix Okpara returns having posted a team-high in blocks and rebounds. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

After a rocky start to the offseason, the Ohio State Buckeyes are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sophomore forward Felix Okpara announced his return to Columbus for his junior season with the program on Instagram Monday night:

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A post shared by Felix Okpara (@okpara_felix)

In his post, Okpara thanked the university and expressed his excitement about "running it back with OSU and Buckeye Nation."

"Can't wait to start a new chapter with Coach Diebs, my returning teammates, and the new staff and players to get Ohio State back to our rightful spot at the top of the Big Ten," Okpara said.

Much speculation surrounded whether Okpara would return with his name a big one looming around the transfer portal. Freshman guard Scotty Middleton and sophomore guard Bowen Hardman both entered the portal within a span of three days.

The Lagos, Nigeria, native led the team with 6.4 rebounds in a starting role this season. Preseason, former head coach Chris Holtmann said he wanted his sophomores to lead, and the rising juniors, including guards Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle Jr., will have a chance to compete for a Big Ten title — and more — again next season.

Okpara posted 6.6 points per game and 2.4 blocks, good for second in the Big Ten. Ohio State will return a much-needed paint presence, with Okpara standing at six-feet-11-inches.

The Buckeye center competed with senior forward Zed Key and freshman forward Devin Royal down the stretch of the season, likely leading him to contemplate his return to the Buckeyes — with Key likely graduating from the program, Okpara, Royal and sophomore forward Evan Mahaffey will be left to lead the frontcourt.